DAVOS, Switzerland — U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres issued a stern warning regarding climate change during the latest World Economic Forum in Davos, describing the global reliance on fossil fuels as a “Frankenstein monster” that poses risks to everyone. He also called for increased vigilance over the potential dangers of artificial intelligence if left unregulated, despite some leaders highlighting its benefits.
Guterres was a key figure at the event, which was bustling with discussions and activities. The meeting included talks about the changes in Washington following U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent inauguration, which were central to many conversations among officials, academics, and business leaders.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy engaged in discussions with various leaders, including Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Vietnamese President Luong Cuong, as well as Friedrich Merz, the German opposition leader, in efforts to rally support for Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict with Russia.
During his speech, Guterres reiterated the urgency of combating climate change, highlighting the presence of energy and tech executives. He lamented how the year 2024 is on track to be the hottest on record and pointed out the implications of rising sea levels that threaten coastal infrastructures.
“Our fossil fuel addiction is a Frankenstein monster that harms everyone,” he stated, emphasizing the ever-growing signs of this reality. He critiqued companies that are now stepping back from their environmental commitments, labeling them as being on the “wrong side of history.”
In addition to climate concerns, Guterres acknowledged the vast potential of artificial intelligence but warned of the risks associated with its rapid advancement without proper governance. He cautioned that AI could be misused for manipulation, potentially damaging trust in institutions and affecting labor markets.
On a parallel note, Trump announced a significant U.S. initiative aimed at investing up to $500 billion in AI-related infrastructure through a new collaboration amongst Oracle, SoftBank, and OpenAI. The Stargate project is designed to enhance data centers and power supplies to meet the demands of advancing AI technologies in Texas.
Julie Sweet, CEO of Accenture, praised the Stargate investment, recognizing it as solid proof of AI’s value for businesses and nations. She noted that the U.S. seems committed to fostering innovation before establishing regulations, a contrast to other countries that prioritize regulatory measures first.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim commented on his country’s approach to AI, stating that they intend to embrace it quickly due to the urgency of technological advancement. He acknowledged the need to adapt Malaysia’s education and healthcare sectors to facilitate AI integration.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez urged the European Union to take decisive action against social media platforms, which he believes are destabilizing democracy. He criticized tech entrepreneurs for their influence, calling it a significant threat, and advocated for stronger regulatory measures to ensure accountability and transparency in how social media operates.
Sánchez expressed his discontent over social media’s failure to uphold its initial goal of fostering democracy and unity, arguing that it has instead fueled division and misinformation, ultimately consolidating power among a small group of wealthy individuals.
Finally, the potential impact of Trump’s tariffs loomed large over Britain’s new Treasury chief, Rachel Reeves. She indicated that Trump is contemplating tariffs on nations with significant trade surpluses with the U.S., a situation that does not apply to the U.K. given its trade deficit. Reeves maintained that imposing tariffs between the two nations would not benefit either economy, highlighting the deep interconnections between American and British businesses.
